Retail business ideas you can start for up to $5,000

164 ideas

This page lists 167 retail ideas with startup costs of up to $5,000, so you can test a product without taking on heavy risk. Many suit people who want to start small, whether that means an online wig store, a pop-up bookstall at markets and events, or an online used record and CD store.

Swipe through these ideas →

5k to 20kOver 20kFrom homeOut and aboutOwn premisesOnline
Florist arranging colourful cut flowers into a bouquet at a shop counter.

Home-based florist for gifts and small events

Design bouquets and arrangements at home for birthdays, gifts and small events, sold online and by local delivery.

  • $800-4k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
11,834 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.4% in a year
Shelves of model kits, craft supplies and board games in a family-friendly hobby shop.

Hobby pop-up at markets and conventions

Sell kits, craft supplies and games from a table at weekend markets, fairs and local conventions.

  • $1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
8,803 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.9% in a year
Hands arranging dried flowers in vases inside a bright, tidy flower shop.

Online dried flower studio

Make dried bouquets, wreaths and gift boxes at home and sell them online and at local markets.

  • $300-2k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
11,834 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.4% in a year
Framed paintings hanging on the walls of a small art shop for buyers.

Online paintings gallery

Run a website that sells curated paintings and prints from artists you represent, earning a commission per sale.

  • $1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
4,729 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.9% in a year
Customer trying on sunglasses while an assistant shows frames in a boutique shop.

Sunglasses stall at markets and events

Sell sunglasses from a stall at farmers markets, flea markets, festivals and beach towns, with no lease to sign.

  • $800-4k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
11,719 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.5% in a year
Fine fountain pens and ink bottles displayed in a stationery shop.

Pop-up pen stall at markets and events

Sell fine pens and inks from a table at craft fairs, makers' markets and stationery shows on weekends.

  • $1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
4,210 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.0% in a year
Wigs on mannequin heads displayed on shelves in a styling shop.

Online wig store

Sell wigs and hairpieces through your own website or marketplace, with virtual sizing help.

  • $1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
10,170 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.8% in a year
Rows of hi-vis jackets and overalls hanging on racks in a store.

Online workwear and hi-vis store

Sell hi-vis jackets, coveralls and safety clothing online to trade workers and small employers, shipped direct from suppliers.

  • $500-4k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
2,954 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.8% in a year
Showroom displaying bar stools and tables for restaurants and bars.

Online restaurant furniture dealer

Sell tables, chairs and booths to restaurants and bars online, with orders shipped direct from manufacturers.

  • $1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
5,023 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.1% in a year
Shelves of handbags, belts and jewellery displayed in a boutique shop.

Online fashion accessories store

Sell bags, jewelry, belts and scarves through your own website and social media.

  • $500-4k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
7,488 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.9% in a year

Accessories stall at markets and pop-ups

Sell jewelry, bags and scarves at weekend markets, craft fairs and pop-up events.

  • $800-4k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
7,488 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.9% in a year
Customers browsing shelves of books in a cosy independent bookshop.

Online used and rare bookseller

Source secondhand books locally and sell them to readers and collectors through online marketplaces.

  • $300-2k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
5,629 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.9% in a year

Pop-up bookstall at markets and events

Sell curated books and gifts from a table or cart at farmers markets, fairs and school events.

  • $1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
5,629 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.9% in a year
Pre-owned guitars and instruments hanging on walls in a music shop.

Online used instrument reseller

Buy used guitars, keyboards and band instruments locally, then clean, check and resell them online.

  • $1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
3,230 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.7% in a year
Leather and fabric belts hanging on display in a clothing accessories shop.

Online belt store

Sell leather, fabric and novelty belts through your own website or marketplace shop, shipped from home.

  • $1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
7,488 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.9% in a year

Belt booth at markets and fairs

Set up a belt stand at farmers markets, flea markets, fairs and events on weekends.

  • $1.5k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
7,488 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.9% in a year
Vintage typewriters and ribbons displayed for sale in a shop.

Online vintage typewriter restorer and seller

Buy tired typewriters, clean and service them at home, then sell them to writers and collectors online.

  • $300-2k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
4,210 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.0% in a year
Gold and colourful bangles stacked on display cushions in a jewellery shop.

Online bangle store

Sell bangles and matching jewelry online for weddings, festivals and gifts, shipped from your spare room.

  • $500-2.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
19,897 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.8% in a year

Bangle pop-up stall at markets and events

Sell bangles from a table or booth at festivals, bridal expos, cultural fairs and weekend markets.

  • $1k-4k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
19,897 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.8% in a year
Fridges and washing machines displayed in an appliance showroom.

Appliance supplier for landlords and property managers

Supply and deliver appliances to landlords and property managers from a home office, without a showroom.

  • $1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
5,433 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.4% in a year
Stacks of fabric lampshades arranged on shelves in a supplier's warehouse.

Online trade lampshade supplier

Run a trade-only online catalog of lampshades, with suppliers shipping orders so you hold little stock.

  • $500-2.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
6,585 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.7% in a year
Tiny baby clothes hanging on racks in a bright children's clothing shop.

Online baby clothes boutique

Sell curated baby and toddler outfits online to parents and gift buyers, with stock kept at home.

  • $1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
3,666 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.3% in a year
Resistors, chips and connectors laid out on an electronics workbench.

Online electronic parts shop for makers

Sell resistors, chips, connectors and kits to hobbyists and repairers through your own site or a marketplace.

  • $1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
10,076 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.6% in a year
Bonsai trees displayed on benches in a nursery greenhouse.

Online bonsai and supplies shop

Grow and sell starter bonsai, pre-bonsai and tools to hobbyists and gift buyers online.

  • $500-3k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
4,105 US businesses with employees in this field, +5.6% in a year

About these ideas

Before you pick one, think about where your stock will come from, how much cash it will tie up, and where you will store it. Check whether you need a seller's permit to collect sales tax in your state, and what market organizers or online platforms charge in fees. Choose an idea where you can reach customers cheaply and where you already know the product well.

More ideas

Questions

Do I need a license to start a small retail business in the US?

Requirements vary by state, city and product. Things to check include a seller's permit for collecting sales tax, a local business license, and any rules for items like food, cosmetics or secondhand goods. Your state revenue department and city clerk are good starting points.

Is it better to sell online or at markets on a $5,000 budget?

Both can work. Online shops need website, photography and shipping costs, while market stalls need a table, display, stall fees and travel. Compare your product size, how customers prefer to buy, and whether you can handle regular events or packing orders.

How should I spend a $5,000 retail startup budget?

Start by checking what you must pay for before your first sale, such as initial stock, a permit, packaging and a simple website or stall setup. Consider keeping some cash back for restocking, fees and returns instead of spending everything on inventory.